In a real estate landscape as vast and dynamic as Toronto, achieving a lucrative home sale requires an in-depth understanding of buyer tastes and behaviours. 

In this blog, we’ll examine two primary categories of Toronto home buyers, what they’re looking for, and how you can tailor your listing to suit their expectations – planting the seeds for a high-result sale. 

Eager to see Ramsay Group’s strategic, industry-leading staging techniques in action? Click here to view our transformative staging portfolio.

The Two Categories of Buyer

Every buyer has their own unique motivations and tastes guiding their house-hunting journey. However, from a birds-eye view, Toronto home buyers can be broken down into one of two categories based on what they are looking for in a new home. 

Ready For Life Buyers

The first type of buyer is one who’s looking for a home that can meet their needs from the get-go. Drawn to the appeal of a turn-key home, they’re searching for a property that requires little to no renovations or repairs in the immediate future. 

First-time buyers, move-uppers, and even downsizers can all fit into this category based on individual needs. These buyers lead busy lives, juggling careers, family commitments, social activities, and more. They want a home that seamlessly integrates into their lifestyle without the need for significant adjustments, and will be willing to pay a premium if they find a home that matches their tastes and needs closely. 

Fixer-Uppers & Value Hunters

Alternatively, there exists a second segment of buyers in Toronto who relish the prospect of finding a home that is in need of certain work. They’re looking to find a property with great value that they can transform into their personalized haven, flip for gains, or both. 

With that in mind, these kinds of buyers are exploring homes with a different eye than those who are looking for something move-in ready. They’re able to see beyond a home’s current state and envision the long-term potential hidden beneath certain imperfections or other not-so-ideal features. 


Considering the sale of your home in the near future? Explore these informative resources from our site. 


Catering to Turn Key Buyers

Modern Finishes

Ready for life buyers appreciate homes that reflect current design trends and boast a fresh, polished appearance. They are attracted to features such as contemporary kitchens, updated bathrooms, and stylish flooring. 

Energy Efficiency

As sustainability becomes increasingly important, potential buyers are prioritizing energy-efficient features such as insulated windows, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and smart home technologies. These not only contribute to a greener lifestyle but also reduce utility costs.

Low Maintenance

Buyers searching for a turn-key property are willing to pay a premium for homes with low maintenance requirements. Recently upgraded and well-maintained systems can make your home more appealing to potential buyers who are concerned about having to make costly repairs down the line. 

Move-In Ready

For this category of buyer, the convenience and peace of mind of a move-in-ready home cannot be overstated. Small improvements like freshly painted walls and a professional deep clean can show turn-key buyers that they may transition seamlessly into their new home without the hassle of immediate repairs.

Staging For Success

Professional staging is one of the most effective avenues for impressing buyers who are seeking a life-ready home. Beyond achieving a higher sale price, staged homes routinely spend less time on the market than their unstaged competitors.

Staging showcases your home in a way that allows buyers to feel a strong emotional connection to a property – increasing the likelihood of them making a strong, top-dollar offer. 


Wish to know more about the process and value of home staging? Read these blogs next. 


Optimizing Results With a Fixer-Upper 

Showcase Potential

Illustrate potential while maintaining the current state of the property. Highlight any architectural features, the layout’s flexibility, or underutilized spaces that offer room for expansion or transformation. Providing a realistic estimate of potential renovation costs can also help buyers envision the possibilities without feeling overwhelmed.

Emphasize Short-Term Livability 

While fixer-upper buyers expect cosmetic imperfections, it’s still important to mitigate major issues and emphasize short-term livability. A knowledgeable real estate professional can help you determine which repairs or upgrades will be imperative in reaching your selling goals. 

Selling With Ramsay Group

As a home seller, the most critical detail in your market journey is the real estate agent you choose to work with. If you’re looking for an experienced team who can guide you towards a fast, high-result sale, look no further than Ramsay Group. 

While Toronto’s expansive real estate market is home to tens of thousands of agents, making it difficult to tell one professional from the next, Ramsay Group stands above the competition – having placed in the top 1% of TRREB sales every year since 2014. 

Beyond our high-performance selling techniques and in-house staging and property management services,  we leverage our vast industry experience to help you achieve your real estate goals in as little time as possible – all while providing unparalleled, end-to-end service. 

Looking to earn an exceptional return on your home sale? Ramsay Real Estate can provide strategic and personalized guidance that leads you toward your ideal result. Click here to contact us by email or call 416.906.8366 to be in touch. 

Stay up-to-date with Toronto real estate.

Get insider information delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign-Up